On International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8, the spotlight shines on the critical role of the private sector in advancing the economic inclusion of women in Africa. Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) stands at the forefront, leveraging its industry leadership to drive positive change across the continent. Recognizing that the success of its business is intertwined with the prosperity of the communities it serves, CCBA has made the economic inclusion of women a cornerstone of its sustainability strategy.
Melkamu Abebe, Managing Director at Coca-Cola Beverages Uganda (CCBU), underscores the company’s commitment to fostering greater shared opportunity throughout the value chain. CCBA’s initiatives aim to enhance skills and business knowledge among women, thereby expanding their access to economic opportunities.
In Tanzania, CCBA runs the “Mwanamke Shujaa” (“A Brave Woman”) program, which provides training and mentorship to women food vendors. Participants receive essential tools and guidance in areas such as bookkeeping, customer care, stress management, and capital growth, empowering them to grow their businesses.
In Ethiopia, CCBA’s “Women in Engineering” trainee program offers female engineering students valuable development opportunities and exposure to the company’s operations, positioning them for future employment. Similarly, in Ghana, CCBA subsidiary Voltic partners with Girls in Science and Technology (GIST) to mentor and coach women pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
In South Africa, CCBA supports female students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds through a bursary fund at the University of Pretoria, specifically targeting those in their final year of engineering studies. Meanwhile, in Mozambique, CCBA champions economic inclusion by providing training to women plastic waste collectors, empowering them to educate their communities about the benefits of recycling.
Abebe emphasizes CCBA’s commitment to creating a better shared future, enhancing small businesses, and improving livelihoods for women and communities. Through a holistic approach, both within and outside the organization, CCBA aims to inspire inclusion and drive meaningful change across Africa.
